Missiles strike Bahrain hosting US Fifth Fleet as Iran retaliates against US-Israel attacks, raising fears of regional war
Missiles have struck targets in Bahrain, where the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is headquartered, after joint US-Israel attacks in Iran.
The latest escalation in the tensions between Iran and allies US and Israel is feared to spill into an all-out conflict after airstrikes in Tehran this morning.
Now airstrikes have been reported in other countries near Iran or the Gulf of Persia, including US ally Bahrain.
Bahrain said that a missile attack targeted the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters on the island kingdom’s capital, Manama, although it has not been confirmed by official sources.
The Fifth Fleet is responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, including the Gulf region.
US officials said infrastructure was damaged in Bahrain, but it remains unclear if the fleet base was impacted, while no US casualties have been reported so far, according to NBC News.
The UK Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning to British nationals in the Gulf countries, with people told to shelter in place.
It said: ‘Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.’
Where else have airstrikes been reported?
Iran is reportedly retaliating against multiple US military sites in the region, according to a US official.
In nearby Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, one person has reportedly been killed following a missile strike, according to Sky News Arabia.
They were reportedly killed after ‘fall of debris’ on a residential area.
Read more about why the US and Israel are attacking Iran here.
Explosions were reportedly also heard near Abu Dhabi’s main airport, according to a Reuters reporter in the area.
Israel is on high alert and has told residents to seek shelter, and embassies have issued warnings to nationals to follow guidance and stay indoors as warning sirens rang out.
Jordanian Army says it has intercepted two ballistic missiles launched at the country. The country has close ties with the US.
In Iraq, air strikes have reportedly killed two in Jurf al-Sakhar and seriously wounded others, while a missile is thought ot have targeted the US Consulate in Erbil.
Further blasts have been reported across Tehran and elsewhere in Iran, with hospitals reportedly on standby while the country is gripped by a near-total Internet blackout.
The UK government has confirmed that it did not take part in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will chair an emergency Cobra meeting this morning, it is understood.
A UK government spokesperson said: ‘Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution.
‘Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7.
‘As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests.
‘We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.’
Deputy Editor
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